Frescobaldi Launches Nipozzano Vecchie Viti (‘Old Vines’) in the U.S.

The Latest Addition is a Chianti Rufina Riserva from the Historical Nipozzano Estate in Tuscany

Frescobaldi Launches Nipozzano Vecchie Viti (‘Old Vines’) in the U.S.Marchesi de’ Frescobaldi, one of Italy’s most prestigious wine producers with a 700 year-old history in winemaking, launches a new wine into the U.S. market this June: Nipozzano Vecchie Viti. Historically dedicated to the Frescobaldi family’s newborns, Nipozzano Vecchie Viti is a wine made from the oldest vineyards surrounding the Nipozzano Castle in the heart of the Chianti Rufina DOCG.

In the ’70s, Nipozzano’s vineyards began to be replanted with new clones and rootstocks. During this time, it was discovered that certain vines of Nipozzano produced highly impressive fruit thanks to a combination of the vine age and terroir, and thus it was decided to preserve them. “We tasted Nipozzano’s historical aged wines from 1961 and they showed beautifully,” said Lamberto Frescobaldi, President of the family company in Tuscany. ”We were impressed by how the wines are still able to express themselves and showcase the unique terroir. I’m confident that Vecchie Viti will deliver the same qualities.”

Nipozzano Vecchie Viti 2011 (SRP: $29.99) is a combination of 90% Sangiovese and 10% black Malvasia, Canaiolo and Colorino, a shiny ruby-red wine that is aged, according to the tradition, in big oak barrels. The vineyards span about 25 acres with a southeastern exposure, at 990 feet above sea level.

Vecchie Viti is a highly structured yet balanced wine, a result of the quality of the chalky clay soils and the dry, breezy climate that create the ideal environment for the production of the great Nipozzano red wines. The wine is aged for 24 months in large oak barrels, which enhances the finesse expressed by the 40 year-old vineyards. Vecchie Viti is a wine that proves the Frescobaldi’s constant commitment to excellence, shows their great passion for viticulture and expresses the historical importance of the estate.

Nipozzano Vecchie Viti 2011 will be distributed nationally, represented in the U.S. by Folio Fine Wine Partners, based in Napa, CA. For a complete list of wines produced by Marchesi de’ Frescobaldi please visit www.frescobaldi.it.

About Marchesi de Frescobaldi
Marchesi de’ Frescobaldi, the leading wine producer of Tuscany and one of the most historic and respected wine companies in the world, combines centuries of tradition with progressive winemaking techniques and practices. Founded in the 14th century and a supplier of wines to the royal courts of Europe for generations, Marchesi de’ Frescobaldi is still a family-owned company today. Comprised of nine distinct estates totaling approximately 1,100 hectares, Marchesi de’ Frescobaldi produces wines utilizing only the grapes grown in its own vineyards. The company continually upgrades and modernizes its grape growing and winemaking operations, maintaining a relentless focus on producing unique wines that express the individuality of each unique terroir from which they are produced. For more information please visit www.frescobaldi.it

About Folio Fine Wine Partners
Folio Fine Wine Partners was founded in 2004 by Michael Mondavi and his wife, Isabel, with their children, Dina and Rob Jr.. Folio is an importer, fine wine agency and producer of quality wines from the world’s premiere and emerging wine regions, providing sales, marketing and public relations services to wine brands from California, Italy, Austria, Germany and Spain. Wines under the Michael Mondavi Family Estate include Emblem, Hangtime, Isabel Mondavi, M by Michael Mondavi, Oberon, and Spellbound. From Italy, are the wines of Arnaldo Caprai, Attems, Bruno Giacosa, Coppo, Dal Forno Romano, Danzante, Donnafugata, Marchesi de’ Frescobaldi, Luce della Vite, Quorum, Tenuta dell’ Ornellaia and Villa Sandi.The Spanish portfolio includes Artadi, Capafons-Ossó, Fillaboa, Leda, Nita, Palacios Remondo and Vall Llach, with Laurenz V (Austria), and Prinz von Hessen (Germany) completing the portfolio. For more information please visit www.foliowine.com